Zelma A. Pritchard

Mrs. Zelma Agnes Pud was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on April 8, 1921, to her late parents, Benjamin and Mary Handley Poduska. She lived in Marshalltown until World War II. She was born a Catholic and attended Catholic schools and became a registered nurse after attending Catholic nursing school. She served her country as a first lieutenant and RN in the Army during World War II. After the war, she became an airline stewardess with United Airlines. She married her late husband, Dr. Tyrus Raymond Pritchard in 1947. They moved to Russellville in 1954, where they lived most of their lives. She and her husband raised four children. Pud was active in the community and served as a volunteer in both Russellville and Florence. After her children were raised, she later became a medical record technologist and was also a pharmaceutical representative. Her husband, Dr. Tyrus Pritchard, passed away in 1974. Two brothers, Ben and Lawrence Poduska, also preceded her in death. Pud attended First Baptist Church of Russellville. She loved to read, travel, enjoyed gardening and loved her family and grandchildren. She was a loving mother, a kind and happy person.The graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 6, at Knights of Pythias Cemetery in Russellville, with Dr. Ray Pritchard officiating. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Mullen Hall. Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.Pud is survived by her sons, Dr. Andy Pritchard and Betty of Florence, Dr. Ray Pritchard and Marlene of Oak Park, Ill., Dr. Alan Pritchard and Karen of Tupelo, Miss., and Dr. Ron Pritchard and Darla of Little Rock, Ark.; seven grandchildren, Megan, Kathleen, Joshua, Mark, Nicholas, Christopher and Karen; a number of nieces and nephews.Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary bearers will be Anita Bobo, Scotty South and all of the employees of Southridge Nursing Home.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Russellville, 213 North Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 35585 or your place of worship in memory of Zelma Agnes The family wishes to thank Anita Bobo and Scotty South and the wonderful caregivers at Southridge Place for their kindness and loving care given to our mother.